GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

  1. Remove the oil filter cap and drain the engine oil. Refer to Engine Oil and Oil Filter Replacement .
  2. Disconnect the electrical connector from engine oil level switch.

  3. Object Number: 235252  Size: SH
  4. Remove the transaxle brace.

  5. Object Number: 256333  Size: SH
  6. Remove the oil pan retaining bolts.
  7. Remove the oil pan (2) from the lower crankcase.
  8. Important: DO NOT damage the sealing surface.

  9. Remove the oil pan gasket. Scrape any remaining gasket material from the pan rail surfaces.

  10. Object Number: 235247  Size: SH
  11. Remove the engine oil level switch from the oil pan.
  12. Clean and inspect the oil pan. Refer to Oil Pan Cleaning and Inspection in Engine Mechanical-3.5L Unit Repair.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 235247  Size: SH
  1. Install the engine oil level switch into the oil pan.
  2. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  3. Install the engine oil level switch bolt.
  4. Tighten
    Tighten the engine oil level switch bolt to 9 N·m (80 lb in).


    Object Number: 256333  Size: SH
  5. Install a new oil pan gasket.
  6. Install the oil pan (2) to the lower crankcase.
  7. Loosely install the oil pan retaining bolts.
  8. Important: DO NOT install the transaxle brace-to-oil pan bolts.

  9. Install the transaxle brace and the two brace-to-cylinder block bolts.
  10. Tighten
    Tighten the transaxle brace bolts to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

  11. Loosely install the transaxle brace-to-oil pan bolts (4).
  12. To ensure proper mounting of the transaxle, align the cast boss on the rear of the oil pan so it is flush with the rear of the cylinder block face. Use a straight edge in order to check the pan alignment from the rear of the block face to the bolt boss on the oil pan.

  13. Object Number: 287781  Size: SH
  14. Press the forward part of the oil pan against the transaxle brace. Be sure to keep the rear of the oil pan flush with the rear face of the cylinder block.
  15. Tighten
    Tighten the transaxle brace bolts to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).


    Object Number: 287902  Size: SH
  16. Keep the rear of the oil pan flush with the rear cylinder block and tighten the oil pan retaining bolts.
  17. Tighten
    Tighten the oil pan retaining bolts in sequence shown to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

  18. Tighten the remaining transaxle brace bolts to the transaxle.
  19. Tighten
    Tighten the transaxle brace bolts to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

  20. Connect the electrical connector to engine oil level switch.
  21. Fill the engine oil. Refer to Engine Oil and Oil Filter Replacement .
  22. Inspect for oil leaks after engine start up.